Liner assembly for blast cabinets and elements therefor

ABSTRACT

A new and improved liner system for use in blast cabinets and the like in which parts are subjected to surface treatment wherein the linear assembly includes a universal liner panel in the form of a rectangular panel having structure for mounting the panel to the walls of a blast cabinet and one or more corner liner panels adapted to be mounted on the lateral walls of a blast cabinet in an overlapping relation with the universal liner panel.

United States Patent 1191 Johnson 14 1 May 2;, 31 973 541 LINER ASSEMBLY FOR BLAST 2,909,870 10 1959 Barnes ..51 9 CABINETS AND ELEMENTS 3,191,346 6/1965 Chambers ..51/9 THEREFOR 3,309,818 3/1967 Brown ..s1/8 3,319,383 5/1967 .Bowling et a1 ..51/9 [75] Inventor: Roger A. Johnson, Granger, Ind. 1 [73] Assignee: The Wheelahrator Corporation, Primary Kelly Mishawaka, Ind, Attorney--McDougall, Hersh & S00

[22] Filed: Mar. 31, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl' 129;, A new and improved liner system for use in blast cabinets and the like in which parts are subjected to [52] US. Cl ..51/8 surface treatment wherein the linear assembly in- Illt, cludes a universal liner panel in the form of a rectan- (It Search 9 gular panel having tructure for mounting the panel to the walls of a blast cabinet and one or more corner [56] References C'ted liner panels adapted to be mounted on the lateral UNITED STATES PATENTS walls of a blast cabinet in an overlapping relation with the universal liner panel. 2,178,728 11/1939 Schneible ..51/8 2,478,153 8/1949 Dill 13 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures III II/IIUlI/III/ SHEET 2 UF 2 PATENIE m 2 21975 LINERASSEMBLY FOR BLAST CABINETS AND ELEMENTS THEREFOR This invention relates to the finishing of parts by the use of a blast of particulate material, and more particularly to a new and improved liner assembly for blast cabinets.

The technique of cleaning, polishing, deflashing and otherwise treating or finishing casted or molded parts or the like with an air blast of particulate matter is now well known to the art. In accordance with this procedure, the part or parts to be treated are placed in a confined area, and subjected to a high pressure air blast of the particulate material or an airless blast of particulate material from a blasting wheel. For large parts, use is generally made of what is usually referred to as an air blast room in whichthe part to be finished is placed and cleaned by an operator wearing appropriate protective clothing.

For small parts which can be manipulated by hand, use is generally madeof a small machine in the form of a blast cabinet whereby an operator manipulates the part or parts throughgloved openings in the wall of the cabinet while he observes the progress 'of the work in the lighted interior of the cabinet through a vision window.

Since the particulate material, usually an abrasive material such as sand or the like, is directed at the part or parts in the blast cabinet or room and, consequently, the interior of the cabinet or room with great force, it is generally desirable to line the interior walls of the blast area with a liner which can be removed and discarded after it has been appreciably worn. One of the problems which has been experienced with liner systems of the type previously employed is previous liner systems have been unable to compensate for modest irregularities in the edges-of the blast cabinet or room and variations in the size of the cabinets without having to custom-make the liner system. Thus, such liners have not been universally applicable to blast housings of standardized dimensions, with the result that such systems have been economically unattractive.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a new and improved liner system and elements therefor for use in air blast housings which can be universally used with housings of varying dimensions, and it is a related object of the invention to provide a liner system for blast housings in which the elements thereof are provided with offsets to accommodate variations in the dimensions of the housing interior.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter, and, for purposes oF illustration, but not of limitation, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a universal llner panel embodying the features F this invention;

'FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the liner panel shown in FIG. 1 taken alongtlie lines 2 2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a corner liner panel embodying the features of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 4 4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a pair of corner line panels of the type shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 mounted on adjacent walls of a cabinet;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view showing the mounting of.

the liner system of the invention in a blast cabinet; and,

FIG. 7 isan elevation view similar to that shown in FIG. 6 illustrating the mounting of the universal liner panel in combination with a corner liner panel.

The concepts of this invention reside in an improved liner system for use in blast cabinets or the like including a universal liner panel in the form of a rectangular panel having means for mounting the panel to the lateral walls and/or ceiling of a blast cabinet, one or more corner liner panels adapted to be mounted on the lateral walls of a blast cabinet adjacent to the ceiling of the cabinet to thereby serve to securea ceiling liner panel to the ceiling of the panel. The corner liner panels, and wall panel liners, are mounted on the lateral walls of the cabinet in an overlapping relationship with the universal panel liner or liners mounted on the lateral walls of the cabinet to provide the desired flexibility in lining cabinets having modest irregularities along the edges thereof and cabinets having variations in dimensions.

For a clearer understanding of the cabinet liner system of this invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings illustrating oneembodiment of the liner elements of this invention openingsin the cabinet and liner elements have been omitted from the drawings with the understanding that such openings,-

including the gloved'openings through which the operator manipulates the part or parts in the cabinet, the openings for the vision window and for the blast hose, etc., can be provided where appropriate.

There is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a universal liner panel 10 embodying the features of this invention, in the form of a substantially flat panel 12 which may be rectangular, and preferably square in shape. Panel 12 is formed with a pair of continuous flanges 14 and 16 along adjacent sides thereof, one face of which is coplanar with the rear face 18 of panel 12 and have a thickness less than the thickness of the panel to define a right angle recess 20 along the respective edges of the panel. The other two adjacent sides of the panel 12 are similarly provided with continuous flanges 22 and 24 extending over the length thereof, but having one face copolanar with the opposite face 26 of the panel 12. Thus, flanges 22 and 24 likewise define, with the edge of the panel, a right angle recess 28 extending over the length of both edges.

The panel 12 is also provided with means for mounting the panel to a cabinet wall centrally located on the panel. In the preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, panel 12 is provideda central recess 30 formed in the rear face 18 of the panel and a corresponding raised portion or integral plate 32 on the opposite or front face 26. An opening 34 is provided through the raised portion or pad 32 and the recess 30 in the panel 12 adapted to receive a bolt or stud for mounting the panel. As best shown in FIG. 1, opening 34 is preferably an eliptical opening positioned as shown to enable the panel 12 to be adjustably mounted on a bolt or stud extending through opening 34.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the recess 30 and mounting plate 32 on the panel 12 facilitate fixing a relatively large liner panel to a cabinet wall I having irregularities since the plate and recess serve to distribute the compressive forces arising from a bolt or similar fastening means over much of the surface of the liner panel, thereby reducing the possibility of breakage of the panel. It is possible and sometimes desirable that the panel be foRmed with an accoustical material in the form of a coating or layer on the inner surface to thereby minimize the noise produced during blastlng. For this purpose, the entire face can be provided with a thin accoustical coating 19, of, for example, rubber, to minimize the noise level, as shown in the broken lines in FIG. 2.

The corner liner panel forming part of the liner system of this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings. As is best shown in FIG. 3, the corner liner panel is formed of a substantially flat panel having an L-shape, defined by the leg portions 42 and 44, with the edges 46 and 48 thereof, respectively, having substantially the same dimensions.

The corner liner panel 40 is formed with an integral stepped flange 54 extending continuously along the outer adjacent or longest edges 50 and 52 of the panel. As shown in FIG. 4, the flange 54 includes a portion 56 which extends beyond the outer edge 50 of the panel and an intermediate portion 58 which projects from the inner face 60 of panel 40. Thus, the end surface 50 of the panel 40 and a surface of the portion 56 define a recess 62 extending along the outer edges 50 and 52 over the lengths thereof. The intermediate portion 58 of stepped flange defines an intermediate ridge surface 64 substantially parallel to but spaced beyond the inner face 60 of panel 40 extending along edges 50 and S2, and intermediate to the face of flange 54.

The edges 46 and 48 of legs 42 and 44, respectively, are formed with flanges 66 and 68, respectively, on opposite faces of corner liner panel 40. Flanges 66 and 68 are preferably dimensioned to correspond to flanges l4, 16, 22 and 24 of universal liner panel 10 whereby the flanges of the panels are adapted to interleaf with the adjacent panel where mounted on the wall of a blast cabinet. Similarly, the inner edges 70 and 72 of legs 42 and 44, respectively, are provided with flanges 74 and 76, respectively, which are continuous with one of end flanges 66 or 68 and coplanar therewith.

The corner liner panel 40 is also provided with means to mount the corner liner panel on the wall of a blast cabinet. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the panel 40 is provided with an opening 78, and preferably an eliptical opening, adapted to receive a mounted stud whereby the corner liner panel can be simply bolted to the cabinet wall by means of a nut or the like threadably engaged with the mounting stud.

One means of mounting a pair of corner liner panels in a corner of a blast cabinet is illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawing in which two walls and 82 of the cabinet abut at substantially a right angle. As shown in this figure, two corner liner panels 40 and 40 are mounted on a pair of studs 84 and 86 fixed to each wall 82 and 84, respectively, and secured thereto by means of nuts 88 and 90, respectively.

It should be appreciated that this invention takes into consideration the fact that a fabricated cabinet may be designed with corners other than 90(more or less) and a two-piece design as depicted permits an infinite number of variables as opposed to rigid casting with two or more mounting surfaces. A further feature of this invention minimizes the number of special castings required to cover right and left hand assemblies, etc. associated with a one-piece design.

Liner panel 40 is positioned adjacent to the corner formed by walls 80 and 82, with the face of stepped flange 54 in surface contact with wall 82 of the cabinet.

Since flange 54 projects away from the panel 40, the end of the panel 40 opposite to flange 54 is adapted to overlay an adjacent panel 92 with panel 40 nevertheless lying substantially parallel to but spaced from wall 82 by a distance corresponding to the distance by which flange 54 projects from the panel 40, which preferably corresponds to the overall thickness of the adjacent panel 92. Because a portion of corner liner panel 40 overlays a portion of the adjacent liner panel 92, modest irregularities in the dimensions of the cabinet are compensated for.

As is also shown in FIG. 5, corner liner panel 40 is mounted in a similar manner in abutting relationship with corner liner panel 40. Recess 62 of panel 40 receives in interleafing engagement the portion 56' of stepped flange 54 of panel 40, and recess 62' of panel liner 40' abuts the outer face of panel 40, thereby providing solid, sealing corner engagement in a corner of the cabinet.

The relative positioning of a ceiling liner panel and corner liner panels Is illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawing. As shown in this figure, a pair of corner liner panels 40 and 40' are mounted in the manner described above on opposing cabinet side walls and 102, respectively. A ceiling liner 106 in the form of a rectangular universal liner plate 18 of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing is mounted on ceiling 104 using a mounting stud of the type described by which the panel 18 is bolted or the like to ceilinG 104 (not illustrated in FIG. 6).

As illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawing, corner liner panels 40 and 40' overlay universal liner panel 18. Thus, flange 14 on one end of panel 18 is positioned between the ceiling 104 and the end surface of portion 56 of stepped flange 54, and, consequently, the stepped flanged 54 of panel 40 is posItioned in the right angle recess 20 of panel 18 whereby the front face of panel 18 abuts the recess 62 of liner panel 40. Accordingly, it is generally preferred that the depth of recess 62 correspond to the thickness of panel 18 less the thickness of flange 14.

Similarly, flange 22 on the opposite edge of panel 18 extends into recess 62 defined by the edge of the panel and the stepped flange 54 projecting therefrom. As a result, both corner liner panels 40 and 40 overlap panel 18 to thereby accommodate irregularities in dimensions of cabinet ceilings.

The preferred arrangement in the lining of the side walls ofa cabinet is illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawing, which is similar to FIG. 6 except that FIG. 7 illustrates a lining arrangement for an end side wall 108 at right angles to lateral walls 100 and 102.

As shown in FIG. 7, a corner liner panel 40 is mounted on lateral side wall 100 in the manner described above, and a second corner liner panel 40" is mounted on end side wall 108 in a similar manner. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the relative positions of panels 40 and 40" are generally the same as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawing.

Positioned adjacent to legs 42" and 44" of corner panel 40" are a pair of rail panels 110 and 112, respectively, which can be the same as the universal liner panel 18 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that the dimensions of ends thereof preferably correspond to the dimensions of edges 46" and 48', respectively, of legs 42" and 44", respectively. Rail panel 110 is provided at end with flanges 114 which correspond to the flange 66 ofleg 42" whereby flange 66" overlays flange 114 of rail panel 110. Rail panel 112 is provided with a similar flange construction to provide an overlapping relation of leg 44" with rail panel 112. Both rail panels are fixed to end side wall 108 in generally the same manner as corner panel 40". However, since rail panels 110 and 112 are generally smaller in dimension than the universal panel 18 as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is not necessary that rail panels 110 and 112 be provided with a mounting plate 32' having the opening 34' as as described, although such a mounting plate may be used with rail panels 110 and 112, if desired.

The remainder of end side Wall 108 is lined with a universal liner panel 18' as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawing. As indicated in this figure, rail panels 110 and 1 12 and corner panel 40" overlay a portion of panel 18 about its edges to thereby provide the desired flexibility in using standardized panels in lining cabinets having moderate variation in interior dimensions.

It will be apparent that various changes and modifications can be made in the details of construction, arrangements and use without departing from the spirit of the invention, especially as defined-in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A universal liner for lining blast housings comprising a substantially flat panel having a front face and a rear face, a flange on each edge of the panel having a thickness less than the thickness of the panel, with the flanges on two adjacent edges each having one surface coplanar with the front face of the panel and the flanges on two other adjacent edges each having one surface coplanar with the rear face of the panel and means centrally disposed on the panel to mount the panel on the wall of a blast cabinet, said means including an integral, raised plate on the front face of the panel and a corresponding recess on the rear face of the panel, and an opening through the panel and the plate.

2. A liner as defined in claim 1 wherein the opening is a generally eliptical opening diagonally positioned on the panel.

3. A liner as defined in claim 1 wherein the panel is a substantially rectangular panel.

4. A liner as defined in claim 1 wherein the panel is rubberlined for accoustical effects.

5. A corner liner for lining the walls of a blast housing comprising a substantially flat panel having a rear face formed of a pair of integral legs, each of the legs having a longest edge and a short edge defining an L-shaped member, a continuous stepped flange integral with the longest edge of each leg, said flange extending away from the rear face of the panel and each of said edges defining a face and a surface intermediate but spaced from the rear face of the'panel, a flange member on eachend of each leg, each of said flange members being coplanar with opposite faces of the panel, a pair of flange elements on the short edges of the legs coplanar with one of the flange members on the end of one of the legs, and means to mount the panel on the wall ofa blast housing.

6. A liner as defined in claim 5 wherein the means to mount the panel includes an opening though the panel.

7. In a blast housing for the surface treatment of materials, the improvement comprising at least two corner liners mounted on separate and adjacent walls of the housing, each of the corner liners comprising a substantially flat panel having a rear face and a front face and forming a pair of integral legs having longest edges and defining an L-shaped member, a contlnuous flange integral with the longest edge of each leg, said flange extending away from the rear face of the panel and each of said edges and defining a second face spaced from the rear face of the panel and a recess along said edge of the panel and means to mount the panel, with the second face of each flange in surface contact with a wall of the housing and the recess of one of the panels abutting the front face of the other of the panels adjacent to the flange of said other of the panels.

8. A blast housing as defined in claim 7 wherein each corner liner includes a flange member on each end of each leg, each of said flange members being coplanar with opposite front and rear faces of the panel.

9. A blast housing as defined in claim 8 which includes a rectangular rail panel having ends dimensioned to correspond with the legs, said ends including a flange element adapted to engage the flange members on the panels, said rail panel being mounted with flange elements engaged with the corresponding flange members of the panels.

10. A blast housing as defined in claim 9 which includes a universal liner panel partially underlaying at least one of thecorner liners and at least one of the rail liners.

11. A blast housing as defined in claim 10 wherein the universal liner panel comprises a substantially flat rectangular panel having a front face and a rear face, a flange on each edge of the panels having a thickness less than the thickness of the panel, with the flanges on two adjacent edges each having one surface coplanar with the front face of the panel and the flanges on two other adjacent edges each having one surface coplanar with the rear face of the panel and means centrally disposed on the panel to mount the panel on the wall of a blast housing.

12. A blast housing as defined in claim 11 wherein the means to mount the panel includes an integral, raised plate on the front face of the panel and a corresponding recess on the rear face of the panel, and an opening through the panel and the plate.

13. A blast housing as defined in claim 12 wherein the opening is a generally eliptical opening diagonally positioned on the panel.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,733,752 Dated May 22, 1973 Inventor(s) Roger A. Johnson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent: and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 3, "illustrating" should be illustrating Column 2, line 24, after invention" please insert and their arrangement in a cabinet, For the v r sake of simplicity,

Column 3, line l, "fo'Rme'd" should be formed v Column 5, line 10, omit the second "as" at the end of the line Column 5, line l3, "Wall" should be wall Signed and sealed thislSth day of December 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M. FLETCHER, JR. RENE D. 'IEG"IMiZi113R Attesting Officer I Acting Commissioner of Patents 

1. A universal liner for lining blast housings comprising a substantially flat panel having a front face and a rear face, a flange on each edge of the panel having a thickness less than the thickness of the panel, with the flanges on two adjacent edges each having one surface coplanar with the front face of the panel and the flanges on two other adjacent edges each having one surface coplanar with the rear face of the panel and means centrally disposed on the panel to mount the panel on the wall of a blast cabinet, said means including an integral, raised plate on the front face of the panel and a corresponding recess on the rear face of the panel, and an opening through the panel and the plate.
 2. A liner as defined in claim 1 wherein the opening is a generally eliptical opening diagonally positioned on the panel.
 3. A liner as defined in claim 1 wherein the panel is a substantially rectangular panel.
 4. A liner as defined in claim 1 wherein the panel is rubber lined for accoustical effects.
 5. A corner liner for lining the walls of a blast housing comprising a substantially flat panel having a rear face formed of a pair of integral legs, each of the legs having a longest edge and a short edge defining an L-shaped member, a continuous stepped flange integral with the longest edge of each leg, said flange extending away from the rear face of the panel and each of said edges defining a face and a surface intermediate but spaced from the rear face of the panel, a flange member on each end of each leg, each of said flange members being coplanar with opposite faces of the panel, a pair of flange elements on the short edges of the legs coplanar with one of the flange members on the end of one of the legs, and means to mount the panel on the wall of a blast housing.
 6. A liner as defined in claim 5 wherein the means to mount the panel includes an opening though the panel.
 7. In a blast housing for the surface treatment of materials, the improvement comprising at least two corner liners mounted on separate and adjacent walls of the housing, each of the corner liners comprising a substantially flat panel having a rear face and a front face and forming a pair of integral legs having longest edges and defining an L-shaped member, a contInuous flange integral with the longest edge of each leg, said flange extending away from the rear face of the panel and each of said edges and defining a second face spaced from the rear face of the panel and a recess along said edge of the panel and means to mount the panel, with the second face of each flange in surface contact with a wall of the housing and the recess of one of the panels abutting the front face of the other of the panels adjacent to the flange of said other of the panels.
 8. A blast housing as defined in claim 7 wherein each corner liner includes a flange member on each end of each leg, each of said flange members being coplanar with opposite front and rear faces of the panel.
 9. A blast housing as defined in claim 8 which includes a rectangular rail panel having ends dimensioned to correspond with the legs, said ends including a flange element adapted to engage the flange members on the panels, said rail panel being mounted with flange elements engaged with the corresponding flange members of the panels.
 10. A blast housing as defined in claim 9 which includes a universal liner panel partially underlaying at least one of the corner liners and at least one of the rail liners.
 11. A blast housing as defined in claim 10 wherein the universal liner panel comprises a substantially flat rectangular panel having a front face and a rear face, a flange on each edge of the panels having a thickness less than the thickness of the panel, with the Flanges on two adjacent edges each having one surface coplanar with the front face of the panel and the flanges on two other adjacent edges each having one surface coplanar with the rear face of the panel and means centrally disposed on the panel to mount the panel on the wall of a blast housing.
 12. A blast housing as defined in claim 11 wherein the means to mount the panel includes an integral, raised plate on the front face of the panel and a corresponding recess on the rear face of the panel, and an opening through the panel and the plate.
 13. A blast housing as defined in claim 12 wherein the opening is a generally eliptical opening diagonally positioned on the panel. 